Meb Keflezighi Has Sparkling Masters Debut at Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego

Meb Keflezighi ran his first race as a 40-year-old Sunday at the Suja Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Half Marathon. And it was a success—the race hosted the U.S. Masters National Championship for the half marathon, and Keflezighi cruised to that title in a time of 1:02:29.

Overall, Keflezighi placed second—to his rabbit, Jordan Chipangama, who kept racing and ended up winning by two seconds, in 1:02:27.

“My goal was to run to win and I did that. I wish I won the overall. But second place is a good place,” Keflezighi said.

En route to his finish, Keflezighi broke two American masters records—at 10 miles and 15K—and got his first USATF Masters title less than a month after turning 40.

Overall, Chipangama and Keflezighi were followed by third-place Shadrack Biwott (1:03:11).

On the women’s side, Jen Rhines won the women’s masters race in 1:16:36. She placed 8th overall, with the overall women’s winner of the half marathon being Eri Hayakawa of Japan in 1:10:50. Sara Hall was the top American finisher, placing third in 1:11:28. Kellyn Taylor was fourth in 1:11:46.

With all the top runners competing in the half, the full marathon had less star power. The men’s marathon was won by Igor Campos of Chula Vista, Calif., in 2:37:05. Just four minutes later, then women’s marathon winner, Lenore Moreno of West Covina, Calif., crossed in 2:41:39.

In all, 26,000 runners particpated in the scenic course in conditions perfect for running—cool and overcast with great San Diego scenery lining the course.

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